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I

mproving your property, increasing 
its value and cutting down on costs 
are common goals for homeowners. 
So naturally, investing in features that are 
better for the environment is, by extension, 
good for the wallet because it reduces the 
costs of utilities in the long run. However, 
it can be difficult to know which home 
improvements can make the biggest 
impact on the comfort and value of your 
home — and the planet.
To help guide your efforts, consid-
er these four green ideas that can help 
improve efficiencies, save you money and 
protect the earth:

1. PARTICIPATE IN THE ENERGY 
STAR® HOME UPGRADE PROGRAM
Start by thinking about which eco-smart 
steps make the most sense for your home. 

The ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade from 
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
(EPA) is a series of six high-impact, efficient 
improvements that can save the average 
family about $500 a year on utility bills.
You can work through the steps as budget 
and need arise. Two of the most accessible 
home improvements in the program are 
insulating your attic and upgrading to an 
ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat 
with smart climate controls.

2. UPGRADE TO A 
HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER
Water heaters are the second-highest 
energy user in homes. Switching to an 
ENERGY STAR certified high-efficiency 
water heater with heat pump technology 
can save homeowners over $300 every 
year, making this a high-impact upgrade.

Meeting the EPA
’s ENERGY STAR 
requirements, the new Inverter Heat Pump 
Water Heater from LG is integrated with 
cutting-edge, high-performance technolo-
gies. As a result, it’s an energy-efficient alter-
native to electric resistance and gas water 
heaters, helping homeowners save money 
and the planet. Visit LGComfortZone.com 
to learn more.

3. UPGRADE YOUR HVAC 
TO A HEAT PUMP SYSTEM
To continue your home’s transition from 
fossil fuels to cleaner, earth-friendly 
options, consider heat pump technology 
for your heating and cooling needs. Heat 
pumps work efficiently by transferring 
heat in or out of a home for ideal comfort 
rather than generating it. This makes it 
possible to maintain comfortable tem-

High-Impact Green Upgrades
Transform Your Home and Save Money

BPT

74 | JULY 14 • 2022 

REAL ESTATE

